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Australasian Balloon Convention ("ABC") 1999
PRESS RELEASE
Balloon Artists & Suppliers Association of Australasia Ltd.,KING TUTANKHAMEN'S MILLENIUM PARTY
(No shrouds, just latex!)On Friday, 16th April, 1999, a starry Queensland evening saw Australian and international balloon artists and suppliers gather for the breathtaking finale of the weeklong Australasian Balloon Convention ("ABC") 1999 held at the Brisbane Convention Centre.
Every 2 years, BASA (Balloon Artists & Suppliers' Association of Australasia Ltd.) holds a convention for the balloon industry to come together in competition, education and especially, fun, to learn from the world's masters in balloon art and sculpture. Look out for ABC 2001 in Victoria! ABC 99 brought together instructors and delegates from Singapore, New Zealand, England, Canada, the United States and, of course, Australia, and all are now inspired by what they have learned. BASA's members will show to the public the extraordinary versatility and creativity of balloons and the atmosphere and emotions they can impart.
For example, the Plaza Ballroom of the Brisbane Convention Centre bustled with activity for 2 days as decorators worked in teams to recreate the mystique and rites of ancient Egypt for The Mystery of King Tutankhamen Ball.
We were transported by twisting, curling balloon tunnels through imaginary crypts, to be met by muscular slaves bearing fans and exotic dancers with tiny cymbals clanging a pagan beat.
Giant balloon palm trees splayed graceful fronds over huge latex pyramids that sprang forth around the ballroom. A massive gold and sapphire mask of King Tutankhamen stole scenes on the stage which also bore balloon sculptures of hieroglyphics and elongated animal gods of Egyptian culture.
Our intrepid, safari-suited guide set forth into King Tut's tomb and, to billows of smoke and cacophonous music, there appeared dusky, veiled belly dancers and slaves to entertain and amuse us.
While cascades of balloons spilled from the vast ceiling, seemingly innocent idol's eyes above the stage suddenly erupted with dazzling fireworks creating surprises that were beyond extraordinary even for seasoned party professionals like us. "Impossible to resist" music from bands dressed as slaves kept everyone on the dancefloor!
If you want your Millenium party to be remembered throughout the ages, or perhaps bring the past into the future as we did, contact BASA in your state (insert relevant telephone no.) or your local balloon professional (insert name).
Informal write-up by Margarat Walker
Hello! My name is Margaret Walker and I have a decorating business in Sydney, Australia. I have been watching these pages for a little while now and am delighted to find such a treasure trove of wisdom from some of the most respected names in the industry and the participation of people everywhere.My first contribution brings very special news of our Australasian Balloon Convention ("ABC '99").
From April 12 to 18, Brisbane, Queensland hosted the ABC with guest instructors, Gill McGregor, Jim Parker, Bruce Walden, Marloes Bakker-Marsden, Ray Connett, Roger Danne, Gail Jennings, Margie Monk, Sean O'Kelly and Ian Shuey. Quite a line up, wasn't it!
We were treated all week to hands-on workshops and business classes covering all aspects of our industry, learning, working (and socialising!) with our Australasian peers.
We watched as tanks, frames, bags and boxes gave birth to extraordinary sculptures at the hands of our talented designers. We shopped at the trade fair, mingled at cocktail parties and cheered for the competiton winners.
The absolute pinnacle for me, however, was The Mystery of King Tutankhamen Ball. For 2 days, workshops prepared various decor - for stage, back wall, side wall, centrepieces, etc. and as the evening grew nearer, delegates buzzed with anticipation. The excitement in the air was palpable! Pre-dinner drinks were served with a warning that we were at an archaeological dig site - "Beware of Party Within" read the sign. Giant balloon palms threw shadows over the guests and an exploding balloon wall proclaiming "TUT" shocked us into our journey of exploration. We crept through crazy, twisting, black crypts of 260's and Link-O-Loons to be greeted by muscular slaves in loin cloths, bearing palm fans, and veiled belly dancers with clanging finger cymbals.
We had been transported into ancient Egypt! A huge, glittering gold foamcore and foil balloon mask of King Tut was centre stage. Sculptures of ancient idols and hieroglyphics adorned the stage. Massive 260Q palm trees swayed over vast pyramids and giant, illuminated, sculptured letters spelled out Tutankhamen's name along the side wall. Inspiring mask and palm frond centrepieces adorned our tables and towering columns of top-print hieroglyphics helped to create the "ancient temple" atmosphere.
Belly dancers swirled around us, slaves danced pagan rituals with swords, and mysterious clouds of fog and clever lighting alternately shrouded and illuminated the party. Fabulous music from Egyptian-clad bands kept us dancing all night (with just a few encores of "Walk Like an Egyptian"!).
Just when you thought that this had to be the best party in history, more surprises came! Balloons cascaded in multiple drops from overhead and fireworks erupted from seemingly innocent idol's eyes above the stage.
This truly was King Tut's Millenium Party!
We see some rather lavish parties in our careers as decorators, but to have worked on the decor with our local and overseas peers, and then attended this amazing evening, was an extraordinary privilege.
Congratulations, BASA Queensland (Balloon Artists & Suppliers Association of Australasia Ltd.), and sponsors, Qualatex, Conwin, Premier Balloons and BOC Gases! ABC '99 has given me education, newfound friends, photos and memories to treasure!"
Phew! You can tell Marg Walker had a good time in Qld, can't you!